By Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
Senior Superintendent Reneto Adams (left) and a member of the Constant Spring CIB search the crime scene where three persons, two gunmen and a security courier, were shot during a gun battle yesterday, at Lee's Food Fair, Red Hills Road, St. Andrew. - Rudolph Brown/Staff Photographer
THE FLURRY of regular activities at Lee's Food Fair on Red Hills Road, St. Andrew, was cut short yesterday following a fierce gun battle between a security courier and four gunmen.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Phillip Allen, a 36-year-old operations manager of a Kingston-based security company, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and later died while undergoing treatment at hospital.
Police said two of the four gunmen were shot, one fatally. The lawmen later reported that the injured gunman has been identified as Michael Archer. Reports are that the other two gunmen, who were waiting at the Red Hills Road end of the plaza, escaped in a waiting car.
Three firearms were found at the scene. A Glock-17 semi-automatic pistol, believed to belong to Mr. Allen, was recovered, while two other handguns that were being carried by the gunmen were seized by the police.
According to investigators at the crime scene, the drama began at about noon. Allegations are that Mr. Allen had gone to pick up a lodgement at the premises. On the way back to his motor car, which was parked near one of the entrances to the supermarket, he was attacked by the gunmen. But a courageous Mr. Allen single-handedly took on the gunmen.
The police theorise that the gunmen were watching Mr. Allen's movement for some time before deciding to strike.
As the explosive sounds of gunshots shattered the tranquillity, horrified shoppers were seen scurrying for cover, while motorists sped away from the danger zone. When the police arrived, Mr. Allen was found lying in a pool of blood.
The body of one of the gunmen was also found between two cars, another injured accomplice, who was bleeding profusely, was nabbed before he got a chance to leave the premises.
One customer, who narrowly escaped from being shot, told The Gleaner that less than a minute after he parked his car and walked into the supermarket to purchase refreshments he heard the shots.
"Is right where I parked my car the shots were being fired. Everybody in the supermarket began running for cover. I couldn't believe this was happening outside," said the customer.
When he came out, the windscreen of the car beside his was sprayed with bullets. The shooting attracted scores of onlookers, some of whom were heard expressing concerns about security of business places on Red Hills Road, especially as it relates to extortion.
